Italy launches search for missing migrant boat off Sardinia

ROME – The Italian coast guard is coordinating a search of waters off the island of Sardinia after Algerian authorities informed them that a boat with some 10 migrants never reached the Mediterranean island.

Coast guard and other military vessels, aided by aircraft including from the European Frontex mission, were searching a vast area Saturday. According to Algerian port authorities, the vessel was believed to have set sail from Algeria two days earlier.

The Italian news agency ANSA said an overturned wooden boat was spotted 40 kilometers (25 miles) off Sardinia's coast. But Italy's coast guard said there was no immediate confirmation that the vessel was the boat they were searching for.

Cargo ships were also alerted to be on the lookout for migrants or the boat.